Dorotheus the Hermit

Venerable Dorotheus the Hermit was an Egyptian hermit from the Thebaid who struggled for sixty years in the desert of Skete, on the western side of the Nile.

Bishop Palladius of Helenopolis, author of the renowned Lausiac History, was his disciple in youth and preserved memories of him, which are also found in the Paterikon. Dorotheus led a severe life. When he had finished his prayers he went out into the noonday heat to gather stones along the seashore, to build cells for the other hermits. By night he wove baskets, which he exchanged for what he needed to live. His food was bread and the scant grass of the wilderness. He ate once a day and drank a little water. He did not lie down to sleep but only dozed off at times during work or after eating.

Once he sent his disciple to draw water, but the disciple returned saying that he had seen a snake in the well and that the water was poisoned. Dorotheus went to the well himself, took a ladle of water and, making the sign of the Cross over it, drank it, saying: "Where the Cross is, the demonic powers can do no harm." He fell asleep in peace at an advanced age.

He is commemorated on 16 September, according to the new calendar.